Trump reportedly greenlights US-Saudi Arabia nuclear pact

President Donald Trump has reportedly given approval for a major agreement that would enable Saudi Arabia to develop a civilian nuclear program, according to U.S. media reports. The deal, which could allow for uranium enrichment within the kingdom, marks a significant shift in U.S.-Saudi relations and opens the door for American involvement in constructing the necessary infrastructure. The agreement is expected to last for three decades and is designed to ensure a dominant role for U.S. firms in the project, excluding other international competitors. The proposed arrangement includes provisions that require U.S. companies to build a uranium enrichment facility in Saudi Arabia, contingent upon a joint U.S.-Saudi study confirming the necessity of such a step. Officials suggest that this partnership aims to grant the United States strategic influence over the Saudi nuclear initiative while preventing its potential misuse for military applications. The agreement will be presented to Congress shortly, where it is anticipated to encounter opposition due to concerns over the proliferation of nuclear technology in the volatile Middle East. According to reports, the deal was reached after Trump made concessions to accommodate Saudi interests. These included agreeing to terms that might limit the ability of international inspectors to access specific sites suspected of being used for weapons-related activities. The agreement could be finalized as early as Wednesday, following discussions initiated earlier this year. During a visit to the region in April 2025, U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright engaged in talks that hinted at a broader energy collaboration, possibly leading to the establishment of a nuclear program in Saudi Arabia. Previously, the U.S. had explored normalizing bilateral relations with Israel, with discussions tied to supporting Saudi Arabia’s nuclear ambitions and exploring a new security pact. However, these efforts were halted after the onset of the Gaza conflict late in 2023. Despite this, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has consistently expressed Saudi Arabia’s keen interest in advancing a civilian nuclear program. In a 2018 interview with CBS, he stated that Saudi Arabia would pursue nuclear weapons immediately if Iran did so first. The relationship between Saudi Arabia and Iran remains tense, rooted in longstanding geopolitical competition. While the two nations restored diplomatic ties in 2023 through a Chinese-mediated agreement, mutual distrust persists due to historical rivalries influenced by the Sunni-Shiite religious divide. This backdrop underscores the complexity of the current negotiations, as both countries continue to vie for regional dominance amid shifting global dynamics. As the agreement moves closer to finalization, the implications for regional stability and international non-proliferation efforts remain uncertain. With the U.S. poised to play a pivotal role in enabling Saudi Arabia’s nuclear aspirations, the outcome of congressional scrutiny and ongoing diplomatic tensions will shape the trajectory of this development. The next steps involve formalizing the deal and addressing the concerns of lawmakers who fear the risks associated with expanding nuclear capabilities in the region.